Prevalence and perceptions of voluntary medical male circumcision among University of Juba students, South Sudan

Abstract

Introduction: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is one of the key interventions against heterosexual spread of HIV. However,  its prevalence in South Sudan is not clearly understood. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and perceptions of VMMC among  University of Juba students.
Method: A cross sectional descriptive study design was adopted. Data from randomly selected students from six schools of the University  of Juba were collected using a respondent-administered structured questionnaire. IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0 was used  for data analysis. Chi-squared tests were performed to determine variables significantly associated with VMMC.
Results: Amongst 390 students interviewed, the prevalence of VMMC was 41.8% and the overall male circumcision rate was 83.8%. Most  respondents expressed positive attitudes and perceptions towards VMMC. The respondents believe VMMC is an important health  programme. The decision to get circumcised is associated with age, marital status, religion and state of origin (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Most participants were circumcised and perceive VMMC positively. A countrywide study and scale up of the current VMMC  programme are recommended.